Five candidates remain in the race for the SAFF Presidency

Khalid Al-Ghamdi

RIYADH, Aug 1: The race to become the next president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has been narrowed down, with five candidates now competing for the position following a series of withdrawals.

The election comes after former SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal stepped down from his role following Saudi Arabia’s group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The federation opened the nomination process for those seeking to contest the presidency, with the initial list featuring six candidates. According to Saudi newspaper Al Riyadiah, the nominees included former Al Ahli president Khalid Al-Ghamdi, along with Hatem Khamis, Badr Al-Ruzaiza, Yahya Al-Sharif, Dawoud Al-Muqrin and Ahmed Al-Wadiei.

However, Dawoud Al-Muqrin later withdrew from the election race, while Muaid Al-Shahri, a Saudi Football Federation board member, had already pulled out earlier, leaving five candidates to compete for the top position.

The SAFF presidential elections will be held on August 30, with the successful candidate set to lead the federation until 2030.